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By far the most interesting and original hotel in Nepal, Dwarika's combines the service and comfort of a five-star hotel with the rustic beauty of the ancient Nepalese architectural and decorative tradition. This UNESCO Heritage award winning 72-room hotel was constructed in the labour-intensive traditional Newari style, and the rooms all include Nepalese antiques and hand-carved furniture made at the hotel's workshop. A unique hotel serves as a tranquil retreat from busy Kathmandu and offers a rich encounter with Nepal's artistic heritage.

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Kathmandu and its culture are under considerable stress from rapidly expanding tourism and modernization. The story goes that in 1952 the hotel's late founder, one Dwarika Das Shrestha, was out jogging when he came upon some carpenters sawing up an intricately carved pillar to use for extra lumber - in his distress, Dwarika supplied then with the lumber they needed and salvaged the artwork. Collecting pieces of Newari woodcarving and other examples of local art became a habit and eventually Dwarika had nowhere to store his collection, which was overtaking his garden. He constructed a new building in the old Newari style, incorporating the many carved columns and doorframes he'd rescued. The building is part of Dwarika's Village Hotel, which these days bills itself as "A Living Tribute to Nepal's Architectural and Cultural Heritage." A winner of a UNESCO world heritage award, the hotel includes a workshop where local artisans are trained to restore Newari treasures. This revival of an ancient art and architecture has helped save the Newari artistic tradition in the Himalaya Valley from a slow death and serves as a leading example of the notion that the tourist industry can be profitable while also preserving local traditions.

Rooms

Food

Dining is a big event at the upscale Krishnarpan restaurant - waiters and waitresses in traditional dress serve up to 22 courses of traditional Nepalese cuisine on beautifully decorated local crockery. Six courses $27, 9 courses $31, 12 courses $34, 16 courses $38, 22 courses $42. Courses include Nepalese appetizers, soups, fish dishes, main courses, fruit, dessert and tea or coffee.

The western-style Toran restaurant is less interesting, but offers a range of international dishes including fresh pastries and snacks. The chef's special varies each day. Breakfast, $10, Lunch, $12, dinner, $14

There is also all-day al fresco dining in the hotel's Courtyard restaurant.

Features & Facilities

• Currency exchange
• Travel/tour desk
• Airport transfers and car hire
• Laundry service
• Souvenir shop
• In-house massage therapists
• Swimming pool
• Business centre.
• The hotel has conference facilities, and can cater for large events, including weddings.

Local Info & Activities

Dwarika's is an easy walking distance to the city and makes a great home base for exploring the attractions of Kathmandu Valley and organizing any trekking tours. The hotel is located on the east side of Kathmandu near Pashupatinath, Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple.

Also near by is Boudhanath, Nepal's largest stupa. It attracts many Tibetan pilgrims, who move clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels or prostrating themselves with each step.

Swayambunath Stupa is perched on a hilltop on the other side of the city, and is Kathmandu Valley's most sacred Buddhist shrine - historians believe the original shrine may have been founded as long as 2000 years ago. The Buddha that looks out from the top of the shrine bears the peaceful, knowing gaze that has become one of Nepal's most recognizable symbols.

Avoid European tour groups by visiting both Boudhanath and Swayambunath Stupa early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Sustainability

The hotel makes every effort to source all furnishings and decoration- from the bed linens to the crockery - from local and traditional manufacturers and artisans. The positive response from visitors to the hotel has encouraged others in Nepal's hotel industry to use more locally produced and traditional goods.

Dwarika's heritage project generates income for local artisans and craftspeople, who have generally failed to benefit commercially from the growth of tourism in Nepal. The project has been unusually labour-intensive, employing a large number of locals in brick production, carving, building gardening and hospitality. There are thirty woodcarvers and carpenters employed in the school's workshop.

Much of Kathmandu's food is imported from India, exacerbating rural emigration. Dwairka's supports local growers and their families by sourcing all vegetables and fruits from the local markets or directly from small farmers.

awards

2006 winner of a UNESCO Heritage Awards Jury Commendation for Innovation

2001 winner of the INTACH-SATTE Partnership Initiative Heritage Award

1990 winner of the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Heritage Award 1990.

Getting There

Dwarika's offers transfers from the airport, which is a short drive from the hotel.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

high season

(Jan through April and October through December):

Single: US$200 p/night

Doubles: US$210

Extra bed: US$50

low season

(May through September)

Singles: US$160

Doubles: US$165

Extra bed: US$50

• Rates for suites are the same for high or low seasons

Heritage Junior - $300 per night

Heritage executive - $350 per night

Royal - $1500 per night

An extra bed in a suite is $75

excluded:

• all meals
• 13% sales tax

booking & cancellation policy

• 20% of the total cost of the booking is required in order to secure a booking
• If a cancellation is made at any stage up until 15 days prior to arrival (30 days for large groups), then a cancellation fee of 10% of total cost of booking applies.
• If a cancellation is made between 15 and 1 day prior to arrival, then a 10% cancellation fee plus the cost of one nights stay is charged as a cancellation fee.
• If there is a cancellation on day of arrival or if there is a 'no-show' then 100% of total cost of booking is charged as a cancellation fee.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.